Caught In Motion is a local Portland band that is new on the scene with their debut album On The Edge Of A Dream. It sounds like a private confession, as if lead singer Banah Graf came over to play in your living room, bringing with him a handful of songs he wanted to share with you. The stripped down music — comprised mostly of an acoustic guitar or piano with the occasional light snare — lends itself to the intimate heartfelt lyrics, which often return to the themes of death, loss, and regret.
Graf’s voice sounds somewhere between Elliott Smith and Ben Folds, especially on his best song, “Blood Still Beats”. The songs shift back and forth from quiet to noisy, often over the course of a single song, like on “My Busy Mind” and “Why Can’t You Forget”. Others verge on what might be considered acoustic emo. Personally, I think the songs are strongest when they explore a melody. And some of the louder songs stretch the range of his voice.
My main criticism of On The Edge Of A Dream, which others may also see as a strength, is that while the lyrics are highly personal and intimate, at times the music feels underdeveloped. The subtle jazzy accompaniment may work in the coffee shop, but not at a concert. Now that Caught In Motion have expanded to a quintet it will definitely be interesting to see what this Portland band sounds like live.
Tour Dates:
Jan 17 – Berbati’s Pan / Portalnd
Jan 29 – Mississippi Pizza Pub / Portland
Feb 06 – The High Dive / Seattle
Caught In Motion: myspace
Written by: Jesse Gelwicks
